Beer & Cheese Pairings: The Hangar Edition
We’ve all heard the classic pairing of wine and cheese. A timeless match that continues to pass the test of time, but what about all the other opportunities out there?
Let’s start with beer and cheese: two delicacies with a world of flavor behind them. To kick off our pairings series, we hand-selected a few artisan cheeses from our shop and matched them with complimentary beer options from Bottlecraft Brewing, right here at The Hangar. Next time you’re at Long Beach Exchange, give these pairings a try!
ARTISAN CHEESE SELECTION
Fior Di Latte Cheese Shop
McKinley Clothbound Cheddar by WM Cofield Cheesemakers
Colston Bassett by Neal’s Yard Dairy
San Geronimo by Nicasio Valley Cheese
Big Sur, the latest seasonal release by Stepladder Creamery
BEER SELECTION
Bottlecraft Brewing, Long Beach
Lunch by Maine Brewing Company, American IPA
Death and Taxes by Moonlight Brewing, Black Lager
La Fin Du Monde by Unibroue Brewery, Belgian Tripel
Boots and Roots by Urban Roots Brewery, Hazy Ale
BEER & CHEESE PAIRINGS
First, we have McKinley clothbound cheddar by WM Cofield Cheesemakers. Available in our charcuterie to-go boxes, this British-style cheddar is aged on wooden planks to result in a firm, crumbly texture with notes of tropical fruit, fresh grass and tempered acidity. The savory and sweet mix, makes hoppy beers an obvious choice for a pairing. To bring out it’s undertones, we’ve paired it with ‘Lunch’ by Maine Brewing Company - an American IPA on Bottlecraft’s menu.
On any hot and sunny day, this pairing will make you want to kick back and enjoy a slow afternoon.
‘Lunch’ by Maine Brewing Company, IPA
Cheese Pairing: McKinley Clothbound Cheddar
Next, with a creamy and buttery paste is Colston Basset Stilton from Neal’s Yard Dairy in London. Due to it’s bold flavor profile, we chose a beer that would not only compliment this fudgy blue cheese, but also make it the centerpiece of the pairing.
Going head to head with Stilton, is one of our favorite beers: Death and Taxes, a black lager (not stout or porter). Crafted by Moonlight Brewing up in Santa Rosa, this beer drinks like a smooth dark roast coffee. Pairing it with a stilton, or any blue cheese for that matter, would bring out the hints of chocolate from its darkly roasted malts for a truly unique tasting.
Death and Taxes by Moonlight Brewing
Cheese Pairing: Colston Basset Stilton
To keep things fun and flavor packed, we added San Geronimo by Nicasio Valley Cheese into our pairings mix. This national, award-winner and newest arrival at our shop is a cross between a fontina and raclette with a washed-rind and an earthy, yet meaty aroma.
Pairing it with a Belgian Tripel like La Fin Du Monde from Unibroue Brewery or any saison will bring out flavors of grains, spice and a slight bitterness - making it a perfect match.
La Fin Du Monde by Unibroue Brewery
Cheese Pairing: San Geronimo by Nicasio Valley Cheese
*BONUS PAIRING:
For our final artisan cheese, we have Stepladder Creamery’s latest seasonal release, Big Sur. Made with a blend of goat and cow’s milk, this ash coated triple creme has a bloomy rind with earthy flavor.
Pairing it with refreshingly crisp ales or Boots and Roots by Urban Roots Brewery is the perfect match up! This hazy ale not only compliments this creamy delight, but also brings out its tangy flavor with its own citrusy taste. Together, this beer and cheese pairing, make for a great tasting that will leave you refreshed.
With so many new flavors to try, what’s stopping you? Head over to The Hangar and try one (or two, maybe three) of these pairings. Between Bottlecraft and us, you have everything you need for the perfect beer + cheese flight, right here.
Explore our online menu for our current artisan cheese selection.